When asked, “What has your ISSA win done for you?” these are some of the testimonials that ISSA Worldwide winners have contributed. We love to help celebrate by creating this “Victory Lap” page so it may shared with future ISSA Awards winners.
Mark Ware – USA
Opened doors and connected our team with wonderful people. #ISSAROCKS
Charu Suri – USA
I will definitely say that winning Entertainer of the Year- Gold changed my life. I got interviewed by major press in India and my recent album even topped the charts there. The visibility and exposure were immense!
Constantine Ikonomopoulos – Greece
At this year’s ISSA awards I was awarded for the first time as an international male rising star. It was a great honor for me as a first-time performer in the physical competition, everyone hugged and applauded me in this family. My recognition has become better in Greece after my award. Thank you, ISSA family!
Christy Fisher – USA
I won “Female Album of the Year- Silver” last year …I have had great write ups; that particular album has soared in CD sales ….and it’s pretty awesome to honestly write “award winning singer/songwriter “as a tagline to all your gig promotions … Thank you, ISSA for opening some doors!
Jennifer Mlott – USA
From the very moment I discovered “ISSA” and enrolled to become an official member, my life changed. I have met so many incredible friends who I now call family. It is without a doubt so unbelievably important to have a strong foundation for your music career. You have to have the understanding of business, the support of your fans, family and friends, and the confidence to keep pushing ahead. I am so grateful to be a part of ISSA because it has given me the foundation to find other indie artists who are passionate and are pushing their boundaries to pursue their dreams. ISSA has taught me important fundamentals to guide me towards success. Receiving awards is always an incredible feeling when your hard work is recognized but ISSA isn’t just an awards ceremony. It’s a family and it’s a wonderful tool for any indie artist at any stage of their career. Because I joined ISSA I have met friends from all over the world and have gained so much knowledge to further my music career. I have been able to gain followers not only from my local market but also from all over the world. I have created friendships that will last me a lifetime and have been given opportunities to my career due to receiving “Entertainer of the Year” in 2021 and other awards. Recently I’ve accepted my first Record deal, been on “The Nashville Sign” to promote my music and been given all kind of opportunities to perform all around the Midwest. I have been given the opportunity to perform on “NBC’s Nashville Roadhouse” in Branson, MO this October and I will be opening up for “Shenandoah” this November in Clintwood, Virginia. My music career has grown so much and I’m so thankful to Tamanie Dove for giving me the tools to build a strong foundation for my music career. ISSA is an awards show and a tight knit community. The recognition of receiving an award is gratifying, but the friendships I have made because of ISSA is something I will forever be thankful for.
Caitlin Mae – Wales
Winning Gold at The International Singer-Songwriters Association meant expanding my fan base not only in my home country but also in the USA! My award win led to additional interest in me as an artist and also to winning additional accolades internationally. My career has gone from strength to stronger and I’ve recently signed to a fantastic Management company and been given opportunities on bigger and better stages in the US and Europe. I love my ISSA family and will always be immensely grateful for you all and the friendship I’ve forged 
Rylee Nicholson – USA
I have been blessed to have won four ISSA awards. My first award came in 2019 for Male Vocalist Of The Year (Bronze). The following year, I was honored to bring home the Male Rising Star Award. In 2021, I won Songwriter of the Year (Silver), and in 2022, I took home my first ISSA Gold Award for Male Vocalist of the Year (Gold). I honestly can’t say that it was one specific award that has helped my career; it’s the combination of all of them. Since I became a member and award winner for ISSA, I have had some amazing opportunities open up for my music career. The latest achievements include cutting a song written by Alan Jackson & Jim McBride. I am about to be in the studio soon to cut another song by Jim McBride and the late Hall of Fame songwriter Charlie Craig. It’s not only the awards that I think have boosted my career, but just having the honor to be picked for an award by this prestigious association is incredible and a game changer.
Linda Marks – USA
Winning a crystal in 2023 and a Folk Artist of the Month golden record in 2024 have helped me grow support for my music and musical projects far beyond where I live. The ISSA community has given me a wonderful team of collaborators, spawning musical project ideas and friendship. Our regional ISSA Chapter is growing by leaps and bounds.
Roberta Scime – Italy
Well, it helped me to be more known and let more people be aware of my achievements outside Italy!
Zandra Arnold – USA
After my wins my fan base increased It allowed me to become known globally and open doors to new opportunities, connections, interviews, magazine features, newspaper article, my Awards led me to additional accolades internationally and global radio awards, songwriting awards, and so much more! thank you ISSA!! The best is yet to come!
Imran Ahmed – Pakistan
After my win , a huge thing happened which I’m going to share it soon, lets just say if it wasn’t for my ISSA win, it wouldn’t be possible, I’m grateful to International Singer-Songwriters Association and Tamanie Dove for everything you do for the indie artists around the globe! The professionalism and the 24/7 support we get is absolutely amazing!
Brad Flame – Russia
An article about our band was published in the most circulated rock magazine in our country due to winning at the ISSA Awards.
Scott Stephenson – aka Cozmic Debris – Music Mafia Radio
Our day one association with ISSA has certainly played a big part in our success over the years. This most recent ISSA award got us some great attention in our local market, and it is probably no coincidence that we’ve seen exponential growth since the awards show.
Christine Clifford – Australia
These awards have launched my profile on the world stage as well as in my home country. I have met so many wonderful people and hope to collaborate with not only songwriting but touring as well. I have plans now to come across the water again in 2025 to do a mini tour with other like minded artists prior to coming to next year’s award show. I am also now helping other artists to come over to Australia and support them with their tour and venue engagements. Since the award and recognition my songs on streaming platforms have increased in popularity and even added to new playlists. I absolutely appreciate everything ISSA has done for me and others thus far and will continue to support and enjoy being part of the ISSA family.
Ewelina Borkowska – Poland
In 2022, I received my first-ever music award — ISSA Songwriter of the Year — just a few months after releasing my debut album “Set In Stone.”
I still remember when I found out. I cried. I sat in silence. I couldn’t believe it.
Because I never imagined that a girl from a small town in Poland, with no one in her family involved in music, and no one to guide her, could be recognized on an international stage in Atlanta for songwriting.
But this moment was years in the making. It all began when I was a little girl and wrote my very first song — for my dad. I had no idea what I was doing. I just wanted to make him smile. And when I saw his face light up, I realized something that changed everything:
Music has the power to move people — even when it’s raw, simple, and imperfect.
That moment sparked a lifelong love for songwriting.
Not for fame. Not for validation. But because it became my therapy. My safe space. My way of making sense of the world.
And that’s why this award meant the world to me.
Because it wasn’t about being “the best.” It was about being brave enough to share my truth — even when I didn’t know if anyone would listen.
If you’re chasing a dream with no roadmap, no mentors, no background in what you’re doing — please keep going.
If you’re starting small, quietly, with no one cheering you on yet — keep going.
If you feel like your story couldn’t possibly matter — it does. It already does.
You don’t need permission to be who you are becoming.
Start with what you have. From where you are. Just like I did.
Aira Winterland – Brazil
More people, especially musicians, getting know about you. And just to know and to be with another great musicians is wonderful for me. In fact, I write songs since my teenage…I have more than 20 álbuns released and i never made success in financial terms of musical business or ….as I said. Just to be here is good…and I have been winning in the last three editions of the ISSA Awards to me is an inner realization. I’m from Brazil and see my music receiving respect from great independent Musicians is my prize.
Mike Burt (Limberlost) – USA
Well where do we begin. Most of building a successful brand is about networking and resume building. The ISSA awards of which we’ve won 2 have helped us in both areas. Since winning our ISSA awards for Best Album and Best Band we have hit several major milestones in our career as a Rock Band. Two nationally charting singles, sharing stages with major Rock artists including our upcoming UK/EU Tour with Yngwie Malmsteen in some of the most iconic theaters in Europe and building a team of giants around us. The ISSA awards is in our opinion, one of the most important building blocks for an independent artist. Check out our post ISSA resume at WWW.limberlostmusic.com/EPK
Dina Lynn – Scotland
My last album was released on the ISSA label. People are awestruck when you say you won Gold in Atlanta. I have an upcoming gig in Ireland!
Sonny Morgan – USA
Not sure what the exact reason that has caused my success in the music business. I think it’s a total compilation of everything from song writing, to my band, to my producer to all of my promoters and of course my awards. To be an award winner certainly helps build a faithful and loyal fan base and sure gets the attention of the industry.
Mark Rosner – Canada
These in was a source of incredible inspiration and a feeling of recognition. It opened up an amazing group of likeminded artists and partners.
Muriel Bessman – France
Thanks to this award I could develop new partnerships for My Indie Radio with amazing hosts & podcasters. This also brought me new customers for my PR management activity webimagineservice. So once again 1000 times thank you so much for having believed in my projects. I will also continue for paying the memory to my very first supporter Juan Cabrer who always encourages me from the heavens.
Randie O’Neil – USA
After my win, I was asked to host a show on Blast Music 24/7 so you can find me there Monday night 7 eastern “on the Ranch with Randie O’Neil”. We talk about all things Country Music with various indie artist.
Gary Matheny – USA
I have recorded 8-10 songs in Nashville, charted one song #1 on 5 different stations and another song #1. It has allowed me to become known globally and opened to the doors to interviews, Magazine features and much more!
Joel Treece – USA
I’ve had one of my songs #1 on ITUNES in Brazil #2 in Denmark #5 Germany #11 Italy and #24 in Australia. I also had a few # 1’s in the UK and Canada.
Andrew Dean – USA
ISSA membership, winning awards, and now becoming an official ISSA Representative has added value to my music career. It has helped us secure new bookings, numerous interviews, leading to expanded fanbase, more radio airplay, collaborations with other ISSA members (winners), let alone life-long friendships that I truly cherish the most. It is now my mission and goal to spread that added value to others and help in their Success Story.
Destiny Band Oz – Australia
Certainly winning an ISSA Award helps your profile as an artist. We are lucky enough to have won 3 Gold awards and we were front page news on our regional newspaper for our first win and have also had many press articles from other publications about our subsequent wins. The mileage gained from social media posts about our success (even from the nomination stage -ie our posts about the competition and voting etc.) was also invaluable to our profile as it kept interest from our supporters (and others) when you have something to post about and the wins add to your bio when you send songs to radio stations for airplay consideration or to venues for seeking live performance opportunities. So we think it definitely translates to helping your career! And we are so happy to be members of the ISSA and are very grateful to Tamanie (and in awe of all the work she does!) and the International Singer Songwriters Association and reps for all the opportunities afforded to members!
Paul Jupe – United Kingdom
After Winning my award I gained more fans in the UK and USA and got asked to do magazine interviews
John Vargas – USA
Well first off, my son David Vargas and I had an awesome time attending the ISSA Awards in Atlanta in August. It was incredible to meet Tamanie Dove and several ISSA Members (reps, composers and artists). Award winner or not – networking at ISSA events is a wonderful experience. We won the Male Singer-Songwriter of the Year Award (bronze). It has been amazing showing the award in promos on our social media sites. Also I think it really helps to open doors with ISSA supporting radio stations around the world. David and I feel truly Blessed to be members of the ISSA family 
Phil Kranz – USA
I won gold in 2020 and bronze in 2023. I’ve been involved with ISSA since it’s beginning. Since winning, my followers have increased substantially and I’ve met so many great artists. Thank you for the best indie platform out there!
Cheryl Nye – Canada
Yes, absolutely! I’ve been so blessed to win 4 ISSA awards, and each time I was able to be mentioned in the newspapers. It is definitely a “tangible” metric of success that can be shown anywhere. I have it mentioned throughout my website, and I can showcase it behind me when I do radio interviews. They are a blessing! Thank you Tamanie for this association that you and your mom have masterfully created! It’s been an incredible help in every way!
Josh Bearden – USA
Yes it has helped me a lot I’ve had more shows more radio time on Fm Radio and tv interviews thank you Tamanie Dove for all you do for us!
Rick Snider – Canada
Winning on 2 separate occasions has boosted me on a couple different levels. First, it really made some people take notice of my music, and doing so it increased my followers and music sales. And second and equally important, it helped build my confidence to a point where I was going after opportunities that I previously may have shied away from. I will always be grateful for these reasons, and many more. Thanks, Tamanie and The ISSA!!!
Brauninger McDaniel – USA
I’ve won songwriter of the year before, including Gold female singer of the year. World songwriting songwriter of the year and this past year Multi Genre. I have been in the newspapers several times and on the radio as well. So blessed to be on Nashville’s Channel 4 local television show and much more. ISSA has opened many doors for me since joining and winning. Thank you Tamanie Dove for all you’ve done for me throughout the years 
Tara Kye Maines – Canada
Amazing things happen when doors open after being nominated and winning awards! Congratulations to all who worked hard to create this event, who were nominated and who won. It also makes a difference for being able to get international work visas!
Deby Kelley – USA
I won emerging Artist of the year, Best Dressed in 2023, and now I am co-writing a song with Roy August!
Rob O’Mara – USA
My two ISSA wins opened the door to making many new connections with fellow singer-songwriters, radio station owners from all around the world that I have gotten to co-write, record and distribute with. An explosion of radio play, interviews and magazine articles. And, above all, I was given the honor to hear & discover so many talented artists of all walks and ages, during the judging process. In the end, it gave me renewed vigor & validation in singing, writing, recording and releasing my music. Heck, I even got to be a North Jersey Rep for ISSA! Much Love to my ISSA Brothers & Sisters! 
Demi Michelle Schwartz – USA
I made the cover of my local newspaper, got invited to be added to my middle school’s wall of fame, and got lots more press and airplay opportunities.
ANSLOM – Papua New Guinea
Anslom is now set to be one of the world’s biggest reggae acts thanks to ISSA awards, his management Bassline and international associates. An album will be released in collaboration with Legendary Bob Marley’s Band “The Wailers” early next year with a whole year of tours in 2024 along side many legendary reggae acts such as Maxi Priest, Big Mountain, Third World, Shaggy and the list goes on. Through the ISSA awards his government has now recognized his work in the music and have put all their support behind him because what Anslom is doing promotes the country of Papua New Guinea through music tourism. Thank you Tamanie Dove and ISSA. And may God continue to bless you and team.
Corey James Grubb – USA
Magazine features, more recognition, raised my prices for gigs.
Shawn Adams – Canada
I have had a lot of local press. Both Radio, paper and online. Being an award winner is really boosting my career!
La La Musiq – USA
For me personally, it is confirmation and affirmation of me as a songwriter and as an artist! I feel it has open doors for me to be taking seriously as an independent artists! Yesterday’s prices aren’t today’s prices!! I know my worth!
Gary Pratt – USA
Not only does it help it gives an artist a sense of accomplishment and living a dream!
Chelsea Rae – USA
After winning female emerging artist of the year- silver. I got featured in the November issue for TuneNation Magazine, more recognition and more streams on my songs and got asked to do some podcasts and my song has played on more radios. I am so grateful. I’ve also been nominated for other awards. 
thank you Tamanie Dove for all that you do!
Rollin Jewett – USA
Having won three ISSA Awards now (Male Emerging Artist 2020, Male Single of the Year 2022, Best Song Arrangement 2023), I can truly say that the positive impact has been substantial. Because of my relationship with ISSA there has been increased recognition and interest from promoters, DJ’s, interviewers, podcasters, magazine and news features, music collaborators/peers, extensive radio play, and simply more opportunities in general to proliferate my music and increase my fan base. What ISSA offers, no other music organization can duplicate: support on a very personal level from a founder (Tamanie Dove) who really cares and takes the time to listen and communicate, unequaled peer friendship and camaraderie among great artists who truly inspire and support one another, and fantastic first-class events and promotions, among other things. Can’t thank this organization enough for the wonderful supportive musical family it has brought together. Getting involved with ISSA has been an exceptionally rewarding experience in every way.
Ricky Davis – USA
Winning a silver for Male songwriter of the year 2020. Bronze Male single of the year “Hero’s Dream”2022 and Best Song Breakdown 2023! Met so many amazing Talented artists! Collaboration with some of best!!!Fan base is doing great because of ISSA, with 110 songs on all platforms! Tamanie Dove, I would not be where I am today without your support!
Dimitris Nezis – Greece
Winning, especially “Gold” this year as ‘Male Vocalist” and being recognized for the 4th time in total by Issa Awards, automatically made me more recognizable to the American public, with dozens of radio and magazine interviews being requested,
but also did many acquaintances with people from the music industry, who are interested in collaborating on big projects soon. I am proud to belong to the Issa family and always will.
Christopher Brown – United Kingdom
It’s early days for Sun-Pinned Leaves Christopher Brown and Neil Faulkner having just won our first ISSA Award August 2023. However, since August it’s noticeable that two publications and a YouTube site have wanted to do interviews (with our old hometown newspaper wanting to follow our career going forward). It’s made it possible to get played on some new Indie music stations and eased the way in for approaching others. As others have said the ISSA Family is also about supporting one another, respecting the dreams and talent of other artists. I told my friends and family that I was attending the awards in Atlanta to meet fellow international independent artists, enjoy their company, maybe learn a bit and celebrate being picked for the finals as it may never happen again. The shock of me and Neil winning still hasn’t gone away to be honest.
Todd Apfel – USA
In just two months since my award, I’ve had so many doors open that before remained closed. Here’s just a few examples. When I contact venue and give them my EPK which leads off with my award it immediately gives me credibility. I’ve had numerous people contact me for consideration to collaborate with them on projects. I’ve also been contacted by a couple of festivals contact me for next year. Not to mention the great exposure I’ve received from the local press to receiving recognition from our Governor to both Senators that represent our state. And this scratches the surface of the great things that are happening in just two months. Finally, I have to say as someone who didn’t expect an award, the feeling that happens inside when you do win a prestigious ISSA award can’t be put into words! Thank you, ISSA, and Tamanie for all that you do for all of us, whether we’ve won an award or not. You make us all winners!
Jimmy Allgood – USA
Well I must say being a Gold winner has really helped in big ways I can’t explain just look at my Facebook page! But I can say this; I’ve gotten a lot of major meetings with Atlantic Records, Capitol records and I’ve gained more International fans and followers and ISSA has really been great in providing Artists with helpful tips and advice to getting our music out there thanks! Tamanie Dove
Erik Dunn – USA – Ecstasy Radio
Since winning my award at the ISSA several remarkable things have happened for Ecstasy Radio. First and foremost, we received more recognition and notoriety. I, myself, received the highest likes and reactions I have ever received on one post and that was joined also by another post on a very popular local city page where my win was announced. Hundreds of people either reacted or liked both. We also were offered multiple collaboration offers from other radio networks and stations. We were also offered to have our shows re-broacasted on a media network to help us grow. That isn’t just an effect of the award, but the networking I was able to do at the award show, which I would argue is just as valuable. Locally we’ve gained attention, support and notoriety too. Ecstasy Radio has always been very well known abroad, but the amount of attention, support or recognition locally has always fallen almost dead silent despite our efforts to try to let the locals here in Cookeville TN about us. That changed almost instantly when we announced our award and we’re slowly beginning to see some local support. We’ve also been receiving new music and artists from promotional agencies and record labels who we weren’t working with before, one of which is Nuclear Blast (I’m proud of this because several of my personal favorite artists have released albums through them and several of my favorite artists are still under them).
Radio is an industry where you have one foot in the music industry, one in the entertainment industry and your always playing a game of Twister with the grey area where the two meet and overlap. In both industries, your reputation awards you more opportunities. And the award not only boosted our reputation but pretty much cemented in the fact that Ecstasy Radio is something worth investing in by the eyes that were on us. It’s only been a week since we won the award and our jaws are still firmly planted on the floor as we continue to see the incredible effects winning our award has had on our careers.
Emo LeBlanc – Canada
The International Singer-Songwriters Association
has increased visibility, bookings, recognition, respect, and so much more but most of all, it has introduced me to an incredible group of amazing people who are ready and willing to come to the plate every time ! Thank you Tamanie Dove for having the dream and allowing all of us to come along for the ride. You are an Angel and a rarity !
Brent McAthey – Canada
In all my years on Facebook ,I have never had more likes (450) or comments (345), on a single fb post, with people congratulating me on my win. Winning an ISSA award has helped garner attention to my music world wide. Thank you ISSA, and to all the fans who appreciate the work that goes into being an independent music artist. Sincerely, Brent.
Melissa Pettignano – USA – New Jersey
Hey everyone. I am Melissa Pettignano. I am award winning in both the Literary and Entertainment Industry. I am CEO / Founder / Owner of MPettignano Enterprises, LLC, both a book publishing and record label. I spread the Great News of our Lord Jesus / Recording Artist / Songwriter / Author / Inspirational Speaker / Humanitarian. This is my first year attending the ISSA Awards and my first win for Female Songwriter of the Year Silver. It is a humble honor. Since joining ISSA I have met and continue to meet incredible people, musicians , artists, etc all of us banding together with so much support and love. Many great opportunities have risen and will continue to because ISSA works together to see everyone shine. Not solely self. That is one of the many things I love about ISSA. When we say we’re family, that is what we are family. Love you all. – USA New Jersey
Alan Garmonsway, United Kingdom
I’ve been a member of ISSA for a while, but this was the first year I’d entered the awards contest. Why, I ask myself, because I’ve been writing and recording for ages. I think it’s because, although usually confident with my songwriting and playing, I hadn’t really developed my recording and mixing skills to the same level, well, in my mind anyway. I know there are a lot of people out there saying ‘you must collaborate’, but I felt I had something to prove by doing it all myself (except the mastering, which I consider a dark art!).
So, over the past couple of years I’ve been taking loads of online courses in recording/mixing, trying to hone my ‘sound’ and the end result of that is my ‘Stories in Time’ album won 2024 Silver International Album of the Year (Male) last week in Atlanta. I’m so happy that my peers and professionals have considered this to merit such an award and can’t wait for it to arrive over the Atlantic to here in Wiltshire, UK.
The whole experience has made me feel and approach things in a much more professional and positive way, from writing to production. Also, the process of the voting, adding to judges playlists etc also pushes you to self-market, something that maybe doesn’t come so naturally to the lone musician working in the studio, so I feel I have grown a lot all round.
The next album is well underway and no doubt will appear for voting at next year’s award cycle, unless it is superseded by more new songs in the meantime. I’m now way more confident that I can replicate on a recording what I’m imagining in my mind as I write a new song, and I thank ISSA for helping me achieve this. You guys do amazing work on behalf of all us independent artists!